Fans knock Nwabali over Lesotho goal error News

Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage at Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali following his costly error in the team’s 2–1 win over Lesotho on Friday, which briefly threatened to undo the hard-fought victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Chippa United shot-stopper, who had been enjoying a strong run as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, came under intense scrutiny after fumbling a corner that allowed Hlompho Kalake to score for Lesotho in the 83rd minute.

His nervy performance was further highlighted in stoppage time when a miscommunication with defender Semi Ajayi almost led to an equaliser.

Many fans described his display as careless and overconfident, demanding that he be benched or even replaced in the national team.

Sports journalist Adepoju Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) said the goalkeeper’s performance was worrying, writing that “Nwabali is sick. He needs urgent attention.”

Another user, @iSlimfit, faulted the goalkeeper’s decision-making and composure, stating that “Nwabali is very indecisive and arrogantly over-confident.”

Echoing the frustration, Biola Solace-Chukwu (@Beeorlicious) remarked that “Nwabali [was] trying to give the whole of Nigeria high blood pressure,” after his late-game blunder nearly cost the Super Eagles their lead.

@Iam_agt (Official AGT) argued that the 29-year-old had grown complacent since becoming the Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.

“Stanley Nwabali is getting too comfortable as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper. Two costly mistakes today; his mistakes are becoming consistent. He needs a competitor,” he said.

Another sports analyst, Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace), took a more humorous yet critical tone, saying Nwabali’s display “has taken years off the lifespan of a population that already has the lowest life expectancy in the world.”

@Cerebrone suggested the goalkeeper had developed an inflated sense of security in the squad, noting that “he needs serious bench. It’s like he thinks he can’t be dropped,” before adding in a separate post that “Nwabali cannot be allowed to start another game.”

Kareem Shamsudeen (@KShamusudeen) described his display as “terrible goalkeeping,” insisting that the goalkeeper “almost cost us a draw.”

Ibukun Aluko (@IbkSports) wrote, “Nwabali needs to be punished for this! This is a totally unacceptable goal for Lesotho!”

While some reactions were harsh, others were more reflective. @TaiwoMajeks urged Nwabali to improve his “game management,” while @Davidskimaa argued that the goalkeeper “has never been good,” suggesting Nigeria simply “didn’t have better goalkeepers.”

The criticism spilled beyond X (formerly Twitter) to Instagram, where users continued to vent. @aviation_energyltd called for the return of Maduka Okoye, saying, “That guy plays too much with his head like potato ruined our hope,” while @okanlawon_231 demanded that “Someone needs to talk sense to Nwabali head, he’s overdoing things.”

Even those attempting humour shared the prevailing sentiment. @xtrapro_ajikawo joked that Nwabali’s “village people” were after him, while @ismael_akanni4 warned that “Nwabali will kill us one day.”

Despite the backlash, the Super Eagles managed to grab a crucial victory, with goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams ensuring Nigeria remain in contention for a World Cup spot.

Lesotho’s late goal, however, has clearly shaken the confidence of fans, many of whom are now calling for changes ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash against the Benin Republic in Uyo.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, three behind leaders Benin Republic. Victory in their final qualifier, combined with a favourable result in the South Africa versus Rwanda fixture, could seal the Eagles’ place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.